Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, is facing tax evasion charges in Nigeria, as the dispute between the exchange and Nigerian authorities escalates. 

The country’s tax watchdog, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), announced the charges against Binance and revealed that two Binance executives have been detained by the government, local media outlets reported Monday.

The charges were filed at the Federal High Court in Abuja and include four counts of tax evasion, encompassing allegations of non-payment of Value-Added Tax (VAT), Company Income Tax, failure to file tax returns, and complicity in aiding customers to evade taxes through the Binance platform.

Binance Executives Detained by Authorities in Nigeria

The two detained executives, Tigran Gambaryan and Nadeem Anjarwalla, both senior officials at Binance, are currently in custody under the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). 

The Nigerian government accuses Binance of neglecting to register with the FIRS for tax purposes and violating tax regulations within the country.

One of the charges focuses on Binance’s alleged failure to collect and remit various types of taxes as required by Section 40 of the FIRS Establishment Act 2007.

This section specifically addresses the non-deduction and non-remittance of taxes, outlining penalties and potential imprisonment for entities found in violation.

After these binance guys already pleaded guilty for evading tax, why the guy come elope?

It is very sad sha. However, the tax must be paid! . The federal government must not let this go

Same you who paid $4.3 billion in the US, must pay in Nigeria for too. Lobatan

— Queen of the West (@TheAbisolaa) March 25, 2024

The charges detail specific instances where Binance is accused of violating tax laws, such as the failure to issue VAT invoices, hindering the determination and payment of taxes by its subscribers. 

According to the FIRS, any company conducting business exceeding N25 million annually is obligated under the Finance Act to pay taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT) and collect and remit Value Added Tax (VAT).

“Any company that conducts business exceeding N25 million annually is deemed, by the Finance Act, to be present in Nigeria,” the FIRS noted in a statement.

“According to this rule, Binance falls into that category. So, it is obligated to pay taxes like Company Income Tax (CIT) and also collect and remit Value Added Tax (VAT). However, Binance did not adhere to these requirements, thus violating Nigerian laws and potentially facing investigation and legal action for this infraction.”

US Pressured to Assist Detained Binance Executives

There has been mounting pressure on the Biden administration to intervene and secure the release of the detained Binance executives.

The administration is facing increasing calls to take swift action in securing the release of Gambaryan and Anjarwalla, who have been detained by the Nigerian government since February 26, 2024.

The U.S. Chamber of Digital Commerce made an appeal through a blog post on its website on March 15, leading the charge for urgent diplomatic intervention to address what it deems a grave injustice.

As reported, Binance recently had to discontinue all services involving Nigerian local fiat currency, the Nigerian naira (NGN), after regulatory scrutiny. 

The world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange said it would suspend NGN withdrawals after March 8. 

Earlier, the Nigerian government imposed a staggering $10 billion fine on Binance as part of a crackdown on the platform in an effort to stabilize the nation’s local currency.